Four-time Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Trotter signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers two weeks after he was released in a surprise move by the Eagles. It was not immediately clear how the 30-year-old middle linebacker, one of the leaders of the Eagles for most of the past decade, fits into Jon Gruden's plans.

The "Tampa Two" defensive scheme appears to be a misnomer this season, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers slide toward the bottom of the NFL standings. The "Chicago Two" seems to be a better name these days, as the Chicago Bears rank third in the NFL in passing defense and third in overall defense. On Sunday, the Buccaneers get a first-hand look at that success.

The more Tony Romo plays, the stranger it seems that he spent the first 3 years of his career on the bench. Having won NFC offensive player of the week honors and outplaying Peyton Manning in his last two starts, Romo took his growing reputation even higher Thursday by tying a Dallas Cowboys record with five touchdown passes in a 38-10 victory over Tampa Bay.

Put away the flowered shirts. Forget the swaying palm trees. The place to play the Pro Bowl this February is at the local rehab facility. Better still, ignore for the moment that all-star festival and think about this. Six weeks of regular-season play remain, and every team must line up 22 starters. Good luck.

Chris McAlister returned one of the Ravens' three interceptions 61 yards for a touchdown and 340-pound rookie Haloti Ngata lumbered 60 yards with a tipped pass to set up a field goal to key a 27-0 rout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. McNair completed 17 of 27 passes for 181 yards and no interceptions in his Ravens debut.